lift kits

is it needed for 4x4 to be having a very high lift kits?how effective is it?the diff stays the same hight, so what is the benefit?would love to know opinions...

If you haven't already, start reading your 4x4 magazines & forums. I just lifted my Rubicon 3" only to accept the 33" tires I wanted to put under it. Generally speaking, 1) the taller+wider tires will give you more ground clearance + more bite. 2) the lift kit will allow the tires to fit under your vehicle (with possible fender modification, 3) the taller your vehicle, the higher the center-of-gravity, making it more top heavy & a greater chance of roll-over. 4) depending on the amount of change in tire diameter, the greater the chance of having to re-gear your differentials. 5) larger & wider tires can mean wider wheels, the combination also means more weight & rolling resistance, to start & stop your vehicle = more fuel consumption & wear on your brakes (think larger brake system. 6) your speedometer will be off, so your ECU will have to be modified. 7) in addition to modifying the brakes, your axles & drive train may have to be strengthened + drive shafts modified (same possibility with steering linkage). A 2nd option might be a body lift, but would include many of the same issues, especially to the drive train & CoG.

Finely, something I never considered; make sure that you (and passengers) can enter & exit the vehicle safely. I had a sore back for the 1st two months because my Jeep was about " too high for my legs, and I had to pull myself into the seat, which involved twisting and straining my back on numerous occasions. Oh, and if you have a garage, make sure your vehicle will still fit inside (light bar included), I got lucky.

Jim

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LOL Nothing like the guy getting a reply years after he posts a question but that seems the way it is on this site. I believe u went to allot of time and expensive when u did your lift. I have a 4 in "Super lift'' bought it and installed it with the help of a friend mind u it was on to a 03 TJ and not a JK (which I think ur is) The brake lines I changed only the back on (got it from an old YJ) the front ones are just hanging (haven't riped them off yet) no need to upgrade axles unless your putting on above 35" tires and are a yahooo of a driver, but if there is no lockers why bother. The biggest thing to anyone starting out and wishing to get a lift for their jeep or other type 4x4 is get a kit that is complete..allot of companies will try to sell yu a kit and after you bought it you find out you need a pitman arm or other part they claimed u didn't need and end up with the killing death wobble and you cannot figure out where u went wrong. I may suggest that anyone going to up lift there 4x4 join a club and ask the fellows there what their opinion is and many times they can direct you to a 4x4 store or shop that will sell and install it for you.. Good Luck

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